(Source: Kansas City Southern press release, May 22, 2017)
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Beginning Sunday, June 4, The Kansas City Southern Railway Company (KCSR) will increase train speed on 2.6 miles of track between Major Parkway and Woodman Road in New Roads, La. from 25 to 49 miles per hour. The maximum speed will be raised incrementally, starting with 30 miles per hour on June 4, followed by 35 miles per hour on June 11, 40 miles per hour on June 18, 45 miles per hour on June 25 and 49 miles per hour on July 2. The train speed increase over this track segment is made possible by a major track rehabilitation.
For public safety, KCSR and Louisiana Operation Lifesaver would like to remind the community that as train speed increases, regardless of whether the crossing is public or private or what type of warning is in place, motorists and pedestrians are urged to always expect a train. In addition, pedestrians are urged to stay off railroad rights-of-way. Do not walk along the track or trespass on railroad rights-of-way and only cross the tracks at designated crossings.